Kids ask the questions at Oregon's gubernatorial debate

The politicians vying for your vote are about to tackle their toughest audience yet: Oregon's kids.

More than a dozen young people, aged 12 to 19, will ask their own questions to three candidates for governor during the Debate for Oregon's Future — sponsored by the Pamplin Media Group, Children First for Oregon and KOIN 6 News.

The first gubernatorial debate of the year will feature Democratic incumbent Gov. Kate Brown, Republican challenger Knute Buehler and Independent Party candidate Patrick Starnes in a historic showdown to be broadcast live from Roosevelt High School in Portland.

"The candidates should brace themselves," says Pamplin Media Group Executive Editor John Schrag. "Their young constituents will not be pulling any punches."

The event will be televised locally on KOIN TV on channel 6 from 7 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 2, and will also be available for online streaming at KOIN.com. Those wishing to attend in person should request a free ticket here.

Many of the children — who hail from Portland, Pendleton, Prineville, Medford, John Day and Tigard — attended a brainstorming session at the KOIN Center tower on Saturday, Sept. 22. The candidates won't know any of the kids' questions until they hear them on stage, but it's clear that these junior citizens are ready to have their say.